Ensembles
Rock Ensemble
Our rock bands play music from the history of rock, from 1955 to today. Students help choose the songs with guidance from the instructor. Past concerts have included A History of Grunge, a Beatles show, and performances of the classic Pink Floyd albums Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. The bands also often perform with the choir on songs like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” and Styx’s “Come Sail Away.” Recently, students performed tribute concerts for Neil Peart of Rush and Eddie Van Halen. The rock bands perform an end-of-semester concert on campus and also play at local venues and festivals.
Jazz Band
Our Jazz Band includes students from the MIC program and the transfer music program. Instead of a traditional big band, the group uses a jazz-fusion style with a mix of instruments and singers. A typical group may include four singers, three guitars, two keyboards, a horn section, bass, drums, and percussion. Students perform many styles of music, including Motown, jazz fusion, and music inspired by artists such as Tower of Power, Jeff Beck, Chick Corea, Larry Carlton, Snarky Puppy, Jamie Cullum, Diana Krall, Steely Dan, Miles Davis, and Weather Report. The Jazz Band performs an end-of-semester concert and also plays at local venues and festivals.
Country Band
Our Country Band explores the history of country music from the 1920s to today. The goal is to help students learn about the many styles and time periods of country music. Students study music from the Carter Family, Honky-Tonk, the Nashville Sound, Outlaws, New Traditionalists, and Texas Country. Through these styles, students gain an appreciation for the many influences in country music. The Country Band performs an end-of-semester concert and also plays at local honky-tonks each semester.
CCM
Our Contemporary Christian Ensemble (CCM) focuses on worship music that became popular in churches during the 1990s. The style is often described as “rock music with a Christian message.” The group also performs music inspired by the traditions of Black Gospel churches and covers nearly 100 years of gospel music. Many MIC graduates from this ensemble have become worship leaders across Central Texas. The CCM ensemble performs an end-of-semester concert on campus and also plays at local festivals and churches.
Vocal Tech
Vocal Tech includes MIC vocal majors who perform songs either a cappella or with a full band. The group chooses music based on the students in the ensemble and performs songs from many genres, including rock, jazz, pop, and country. Members sing harmony parts and also play instruments such as piano, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion. Vocal Tech performs an end-of-semester concert and other shows at local venues.
Contact us:
Alumni Making Music History
Steve & Kayla Rosas
Owners of Waco's popular studio, Direct Resonance, have recorded 100's of local artists and done projects for: The Simpsons, Ted Nugent, Cartoon Network, Red Bull, Stratus, and NASCAR Highlights. They are great friends of the MIC program, serving on our advisory board for over 20 years. They met while being audio majors at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.
Kimberly Kelly
Nashville-based singer-songwriter who is currently featured on the CMT list, "2023 Next Women of Country." She is a rising star in Nashville, featuring a throwback look and sound to earlier country styles.
Visual & Performing Arts at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ
- Music Department - Discover courses, ensembles, and performance opportunities in music.
- Theatre Department - Learn about theatre productions, acting classes, and technical theatre training.
- Visual Arts - Explore drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art programs.